Traffic Stop in Hoxie Leads to Drug Arrest, Discovery of Out-of-State Warrant

HOXIE, Ark. – A Hoxie police officer conducted a traffic stop Tuesday night that led to the arrest of a woman on drug-related charges and the discovery of an active warrant out of Washington state, according to a release from Hoxie police.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, Officer Z. Pollard observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 63 at a high rate of speed. The release said that Pollard used radar to clock the vehicle at 79 mph in a 60 mph zone. While attempting to turn his vehicle around, Pollard notified Officer J. Rakoczy, who initiated a traffic stop at Highway 63 and Sullens Road.

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The driver, identified as Amy Ruggles, stated she was traveling from Eureka Springs to Bono. Officer Pollard conducted an ACIC/NCIC check, which revealed that Ruggles had an active warrant from Washington state.

During the stop, Officer Rakoczy detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Ruggles was asked to exit the vehicle, and the officers explained the reason for the search. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of suspected marijuana, several smoking devices used for consuming marijuana, digital scales with a white powdery residue, small plastic baggies containing white powdery residue, three glass smoking devices with suspected methamphetamine residue, and a small container holding a white powder substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Ruggles was arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center, where she was charged with:

• Felony possession of methamphetamine or cocaine (greater than 2 grams, less than 10 grams)
• Misdemeanor possession of marijuana (less than 4 ounces)
• Felony possession of drug paraphernalia

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.